The Printed Matter’s Los Angeles Art Book Fair is an annual event that showcases the intricate relationship between intimacy and communal experience found in books. This year, the fair has moved to the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, featuring over 300 exhibitors from around the world. These exhibitors use various printing techniques such as letterpress, risograph, and Xerox machines to create a diverse range of printed materials, from personal art books to mass-produced pamphlets.
One standout exhibitor, W.e.g.m.g from Whittier, California, captures the essence of Los Angeles with photobooks, zines, stickers, and pins. Their unique T-shirt design, featuring the Dodgers logo with a Tom of Finland drawing, reflects the city’s eclectic and vibrant culture. Secret Headquarters presented Carly Jean Andrews’ spiral-bound book, THE DOME Throat Heart Mouth Earth, which combines photographs, found images, and hand-drawn text to evoke the hedonistic vibe of 1970s Los Angeles.
At falgoush, Mohammad Rezaei’s Door to Door offers a glimpse into everyday life in Tehran through a captivating photo journey of doorways. StreetSalad, a San Francisco-based imprint, reprinted significant Chicanx and Latinx art books, preserving and celebrating lesser-known histories. The fair also featured the Mattazine Society, a fanzine project that explores cutting-edge cultural figures, and Emily Larned’s Impractical Labor / Alder & Frankia, which reprints works from feminist archives.
Political themes were prevalent throughout the fair, with stands expressing solidarity with Gaza and highlighting global conflicts and movements. Mexico City’s Miau Ediciones and Cráter Invertido showcased feminist publications, dissident authors, and the importance of self-publishing. These exhibitors emphasized the power of publishing what you want, using whatever medium is available.
Overall, the Printed Matter’s Los Angeles Art Book Fair continues to be a hub for creativity, diversity, and political engagement in the world of printed materials. Its unique blend of local and global voices reflects the rich tapestry of the art book community and the ongoing importance of storytelling and expression through print.
